Hockey players in their 80s compete at Ontario 55+ Winter Games.

A London team called the Waryears, whose roster is made up of players in their 80s, took part in the Ontario 55+ Winter Games in Huntsville and competed in a younger age division because there is no 80+ category. Players said skating provides social connection and exercise, and the team plans to keep playing together.

The London-based Waryears are a hockey team whose roster consists of players in their 80s and they skated at the Ontario 55+ Winter Games in Huntsville. The provincial Games are aimed at older athletes but do not include a division for people over 80, so the Waryears competed in a younger age category. Team member and coordinator John Hayton, 82, said the group has played together for decades and continues to grow. Players described rink time as both a social fellowship and a way to stay physically active. Notable facts: - The Waryears are based in London and field a roster of players all over 80 years old. - The team competed at the Ontario 55+ Winter Games in Huntsville, where there is no separate 80+ division. - John Hayton, 82, helps coordinate the team and said it has expanded in size over the years. - Bill Chalmers, 84, is the oldest player on the roster and has skated since childhood. - Player Jon Hyslop continues to play while living with Parkinson’s disease, and Hayton described having had two heart attacks yet remaining active. - The team and league emphasize safety, and a company was on site at the Games to respond if anything happened on the ice. Summary: The Waryears’ appearance at the Games highlights the social and physical roles organized sport can play for older adults. The team says it will keep playing and growing, and it joined a younger division at the Games because no 80+ category exists. The group emphasizes safety and community as reasons members continue to compete.